How can we soundproof the bottom bedroom to prevent noise from traveling between floors without major renovations?
Asked by Agathe Robin 
6 months ago
Last Updated: May 20, 2024
We’ve got a situation where one bedroom is directly above another bedroom, and the sound carries easily between the two. It’s like we’re in the same room sometimes! We’ve already had the insulation checked, and there is some between the floors.
Any ideas on how we can make the bottom room more soundproof? I’m not worried about it looking pretty, just need to block out the noise from upstairs and vice versa. Trying to avoid any big renovations if possible.
We used rockwool insulation and metal channel, followed by 5/8” durarock drywall. While it was effective, it was also quite costly. Personally, I’m not sure if I would invest that much money again. If you are able to do it yourself, you could potentially save some money. Our project was for a 14’x15’ bedroom and cost us $5000 in 2016.
Definitely! That’s the way to go – using resilient channels and drywall, maybe even double drywall to reduce the noise. My building official shared some diagrams with me outlining different construction methods with official STC ratings for meeting separation requirements between units like apartments to comply with the code. It was super informative. I gained a lot of knowledge from it and applied it to building an ADU in my home.
Wow, you were really intent on keeping that room quiet!
Oh, , we were actually prepared to discipline the kids above us.🤣
You managed to avoid spending thousands on attorney fees!
Yes, , that’s spot on!
Hey, , these solutions are more for walls, but the real problem is with the floor and ceiling. If the joists are making noise, putting up drywall and insulation won’t cover it up.
This was actually for our ceiling. The metal resilient channels help block the vibrations of noise from traveling directly through the ceiling. Our kids’ room is right above ours, and before we installed this, we could hear everything.
It’s not just about the insulation or drywall – it’s also about the channels and creating a direct path for noise with sound insulation and durarock drywall.
Seems really interesting. I came across this video about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYyZ9zonfdg
Check out mass-loaded vinyl to see if it could be a good fit for you. It needs to be heavy, hang loosely, and be tightly sealed to prevent sound from escaping through small openings.
Quiet Rock drywall is a good option.
Check first to see if there’s an air duct that connects the two rooms. It’s not very common, but if there is one, soundproofing won’t help much.
There may be cold air returning in the room above and below, which could be causing sound transfer
It looks like someone is using futon mattresses for a unique ceiling treatment, haha
Are you trying to block out noise from children or adults? Perhaps in-laws or a significant other?😉
There are soundproofing insulation options available. The simplest solution would be to install a thicker carpet with a heavy pad.
Put some hammocks upstairs to relieve the weight on the floor. If the floor joists are making noise, the only solution is to eliminate the noise, which may involve removing the ceiling and adding additional framing for strong support – a major renovation.
To reduce sound, you need to add more weight to the ceiling. One layer of drywall and insulation is not sufficient. Try two layers of drywall on the underside of the floor joists along with insulation. Additionally, consider adding a sound control mat above your floor sheathing before laying down your carpet. Look into specialty products online for more options beyond the carpet mat.
One of the more affordable options is earplugs. 😉
If you’re up for it, consider using Sonopan, resilient bars, 5/8 drywall, mud, and paint. It can cost less than 1k if you tackle the project yourself. If you hire someone, expect to pay around 4-5k.
I’m not sure where you are located, but I know someone who specializes in soundproofing using simple ceiling-like tiles. It’s a project that can likely be done on your own as well.
An easy solution for reducing noise from upstairs is to designate the messiest person to that area. Simply scatter a layer of clothes on the floor to absorb sound.
For the upstairs, consider using a sound control mat and attaching acoustic tiles to the ceiling with command strips. It’s a DIY project that can be done in a day and is quite affordable. While not as effective as professional soundproofing, it will make a difference. Additionally, I suggest investing in an air purifier for the downstairs room and keeping it running constantly. This will create a soothing white noise.
I recently helped a customer find a 4-foot wide roll of rubber flooring for her art room. It not only looks great but also does a fantastic job at reducing sound.
That wall to wall carpeting is top-notch, it’s really thick and of great quality, especially with the excellent pad underneath.
Here’s a simple trick: roll up a towel and tuck it behind the headboard for some extra support when you’re in bed. Or if you’re feeling playful, tell the kids you’re “hanging pictures” in the bedroom to keep them entertained – it works like a charm! 😂🤣
Haha it’s for our au pair downstairs and our one child upstairs. We have a peaceful private suite where you don’t even need towels 😂😂😂😜😜
Check out these Acoustic Soundproof Wall Panels featuring serene Lake Mountain Water landscapes. These Self-Adhesive Art Panels not only reduce room echo and reverberation but also serve as beautiful wall decor. Find them here: https://a.co/d/6R98N34